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So I've been working away on my next costume, Ann Takamaki from Persona 5 lately and while I was working I took some photos of how I made my mask and figured why not put them up and make a little tutorial for how I made mine! I'm sure there are better ways of doing this but here's how I did mine:

Patterns are necessary in cosplay if you want your end product to turn out good. Every piece needs a good foundation. I took my wig head and covered the area with blue painters tape. You could add an extra step of saran wrapping the head before the tape for easier removal but it wasn't necessary in this case. The tape peels easily off Styrofoam. Next I drew the outline of my mask onto the tape; only one side because I'm simply mirroring the image and then used my exacto knife to cut out the excess.

This leaves me with half of my full pattern. I carefully peeled my tape pattern off the wig head and cut at the nose and forehead to account for curves and relieve the tension at those points so it could lay flat against a sheet of craft foam.At this point I traced my pattern, flipped it and traced it again to get my full mask perfectly symmetrical then cut it out with my exacto knife.

Step 2: Shaping the Mask

It was at this point I started to question my pattern but I just had to trust in the process. First I glued the cheek pieces to the nose, creating some curves to the mask, then glued the forehead darts together which create the shape of the head. It should look a little floppy and weirdly round at this point. This is where it starts to take shape. Craft foam is malleable and somewhat stretches when heated and cools in that shape. So I took my heat gun and blasted it for a few seconds, then started to stretch and form it around my wig head to let it cool. Mostly focusing on the shape of the head first, don't worry about the nose too much but create a slight bend in the bridge as a placeholder.

Step 3: Attaching the Ears

Next I attached ears to the top of the head. Judging from the artwork, Panther's ears can be placed in line with the point of the eye (if that makes sense. A small rounder bottom triangle worked best for me. Glue the ears on so they slightly point out but still mostly forward facing. Feel free to cut the " ear holes" out from under the ears at this point. I waited until later but it doesn't matter too much. At this point I heated the ears up and formed them to points and gave them a bit of an upward flick, the same way a cats would. Looking good!

Halfway there!

Step 4: Molding it to Shape

It's starting to look good at this point, I'm pretty happy with the overall shape but I think it can still do with some more shape. So bring out the heat gun again, heat up the foam around the face again and start shaping the foam around the curves of the forehead, nose and cheeks. Take your time here ( Persona jokes), spend time molding the heated foam to the bridge of the wig head's nose and cheeks. This is really what made a huge difference in my mask from looking rigid to looking clean and professional.

Step 5: Gesso and Paint

Once you've shaped the mask to the way you like it, pin it to your head and get your gesso ready. Give the mask a generous coat of gesso, let it dry and do 2 more coats. This fills in any holes, hardens your mask and primes the surface for paint. If some of your seams is showing or there's an imperfection anywhere just sand it out real quick at this point. Next is the best part! Painting it! I use Lumiere by Jacquard fabric paints (link to buy above) because they're really flexible and leave a metallic finish. Crimson is basically the perfect color for the mask, I used Neo-Opaque by Jaquard in black for the nose details and pearlescent white for the eyes. I gave my mask 2 coats of crimson before applying the eye and nose details just to be sure. Then it's finished and you have yourself a Panther mask! For extra credit you could seal it all with a gloss coat on top for extra shine.

I FINALLY finished my new long running project, 2B from Nier:Automata! This was a really nice project to get me back in the spirit of cosplay and sewing, the design is so beautiful and Nier has a really special place in my heart.

I wanted to really do this costume to the best of my ability, and with only a couple setbacks I think I did alright! Of course, I wish I could have embroidered the silver design into the skirt I had to settle for fabric paint. I think it looks pretty good though! I'd still like to buy a better prop weapon for it but until then this will work.

Check out the preview gallery here, real photoshoots to come soon!

The full preview gallery, including the "self-destructed" bodysuit version of 2B is available for members of talixoxo.com! Become a member today to see! Full photoshoots to come soon but only members will be able to see the full bodysuit galleries!

I just received my copy of Persona 5 (Premium Edition) in the mail! Yes, I know it's a little late but I've been working away on a couple new costumes that took majority of my time. Before tearing into the game I wanted to film a short unboxing video for you guys though! Just a quick look at what comes in the special edition and super quick thoughts (and cosplay announcement!). No spoilers here!

Watch it Here!

If you haven't played a Persona game before I HIGHLY suggest this one as a introduction to the series, just from the first half hour or so it has a great tutorial and explanation system. This is one of my absolute favorite series and want to share it with you guys! No, you definitely don't need to play the first 4 to understand this one. They're all totally separate games with different stories and themes but all incredible games. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!

More Costumes up for sale!If you're interested in either of these costumes please email me at tali@talixoxo.com

Model measurements: 34-25-39

Supergirl-- SOLD

This is my original Supergirl costume that I've had for most of my cosplay life. It's very special to me and was the source of alot of my initial exposure in cosplay! This costume comes with both the top, cape and skirt but doesn't include the belt (it's kind of broken).

Asking: $80 +shipping

Final Fantasy X Rikku- SOLD

I spent a lot of time working on this costume, it was something I always wanted to do and felt like I didn't have the skill to do but I finally did it! I love this costume but never wear it. Comes with everything pictured!

Did you know I do other things than cosplay? I know it's unexpected but I recently started a new blog where I talk about my fitness and all the ups and downs that go with it. Interested in seeing what I do to keep fit? Head over to http://superlft.tumblr.com to check it out!Here's the latest video featuring a look at my leg (most important) day :)

First of all, I just want to mention that International customers (non-USA) can now only order through my Amazon store. Unfortunately it's become increasingly difficult to get orders to their rightful homes internationally so I've had to make the choice but most posters are still available to and if it isn't it soon will be! Thanks for understanding! <3

Next, I'm selling a few more of my favorite things to new homes.

First up,I'm selling my beloved Quiet costume, originally sponsored by Matt Andre. I just don't have room for this costume anymore and unfortunately I'd like to put the money to a new costume :< I'll miss it but I want it to go to the right person who will love it as much as I did.

This includes the wig, bra, harness, belt, sleeve, thong, thigh holster and boots-- if wanted. DOES NOT INCLUDE TIGHTS (they're just TOO ripped lmao) and flash grenades

Asking: $150 +shipping

Zero's Sword- Drakengard 3- TENTATIVELY SOLD

I had this commissioned from Sweatshop 202 . This is my favorite prop that I own, it's absolutely gorgeous and so well made. NOTE: I plan on doing a really quick shoot before I send this to its new owner so if you buy this it'll be a few days before I send it out!

Asking: $100 +shipping

Rikku Theif Blades- TENTATIVELY SOLD

Another gorgeous commission from Sweatshop 202. They're really solid but also collapsible, the blade comes off for easy mailing. I believe they're casted from resin so they're slightly heavy. Asking: $100 + shipping

Please EMAIL for details or to buy one of these items! talicosplay@gmail.com

First off, thank you to everyone who took my survey! It's been extremely helpful and interesting to see your responses. There's some really amazing people here and a few not so amazing :/ but that's fine. One of the most popular suggestions was a monthly giveaway for members! Which I hadn't considered but think is a great idea!

So at the end of every month I'll be randomly picking a member of talixoxo.com to win an exclusive poster or merch! Not a member of talixoxo.com yet? Sign up here to have a chance of winning!

Hey everyone!Since it's a brand new year I've been starting to compile a list of cosplays I want to do this year and I'd love for your opinion! If you could take this survey to give me your thoughts, it's really quick and you get a 10% off coupon at the end! It would be greatly appreciated!

One of my original Cammy outfits, includes bodysuit, armband and hat. Excludes gauntlets and wig. Model Measurements:

36 25 37-- 5”8Stretches well.

Asking: $35 +shipping

Zero Suit Samus- SOLD

Custom made sub-dye suit, this costume is still in great condition and I barely wear it. Looks great but does not have the pink symbol on the back (I was going to install a foam version and never got around to it).

I made this costume for my first overseas convention in Kuwait earlier this year. I really love the costume but I never wear it. It’ll need a few minor fixes before shipment though! Includes: Dress, purple top, front panel, armor and headpiece.

Does not include wig

Model Measurements:

34 25 37 -- 5”8Does not stretch.

Asking: $125 +shipping

Thief Rikku- SOLD

One of my favorites that I just don’t really wear anymore. Still love it though. Includes bikini top, skirt, sleeves, scarf and headband.

Does not include wig or bikini bottoms

Model Measurements:

34 25 37 -- 5”8

Skirt doesn’t stretch, bikini top is adjustable.

Asking: $50 +shipping

Satsuki- SOLD

Costume sponsored by CosplaySky, It’s well made and looks great. Still in great shape but extremely limited sizing, I tailored it to my body. Would be better suited for someone slightly smaller/shorter than me. Includes: dress.

Model Measurements:

34 25 37 -- 5”8

Does not stretch.

Asking: $50 +Shipping

New 52 Supergirl- SOLD

I made this on a whim a few years ago and honestly I love how it looks. Still in good shape.

Includes bodysuit and cape. Does not include shoe covers (they’re too damaged from the shoot)

Last week my work was featured on Sadie By Design! Since I was at LA Comic Con I wasn't able to post about it until now but I had a great time with her questions and tried to get in as deep as I could. Take a minute and get to know a little more about me in this interview with Sadie!

My good friend D (www.twitter.com/cerberusarms) and I braved the LA heat before I left for Canada just to get some video of my Cammy. This was shot along the LA River across from downtown LA, it was a great location and I love shooting my Cammy around there.

Unfortunately you can see how badly my suit ripped but it's okay, next time I wear it it'll be totally fixed ;o; I think I figured out a better way to do it anyway!

So here it is! Hope you love it! Like, Comment, Subscribe, all those things <3

Final poster/shirts are available here! Free shipping on any 2 posters until the 11th with code: FREESHIP

Hey there! It's been a while since I've updated my store and I know, there still isn't much there but I've added a few new things!A few weeks ago I got to shoot with one of my favorite photographers, Victor Rodriguez, and we did some brand new Cammy and Quiet images which I then gave to Chet Brown Design to fancy up a little ;D

I really hope you like these, I've been so excited about them and I'm so excited to show them to you for the first time! Both images are now available in poster or shirt form! Wear my cosplay on your sweet bod <3 AND for a limited time I'm offering Free Shipping on any 2 posters from the store! Just use code: FREESHIP at checkout and you'll have two lovely posters on their way to you!

I've been following Jay Tablante's work for years, he shoots with some of my cosplay idols and honestly, I never thought I would have a chance to shoot with him myself.

Last week while visiting Manila for the weekend, I had the pleasure of working with Jay and his superhero team in shooting my Cammy cosplay and I can't believe what has come out of it so far. I just wanted to share this first image from our shoot <3

This image means so much to me and I'm so proud to show it off, this represents such a milestone for me and I hope you can appreciate that about it. Enjoy! This image isn't a poster yet but I promise eventually it will be! <3

Got no room on your wall for any more posters/prints? Still want to show your love and get some fresh looks while your at it?

Well I've got you covered, quite literally. I'm now carrying shirts with some brand new cosplay images starting off first with my Quiet! Designed by Chet Brown and Photography by Victor Rodriguez, the next one will be out soon!